Skin Cycling: The Skincare Secret Behind Bollywood’s Glow

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 08:49 IST

Skin cycling is a 4-night weekly skincare routine using different products each night to exfoliate, repair, reduce stress, and deeply hydrate the skin

Many Bollywood actresses, including Kriti Sanon, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt, often share their skincare routines. One common step in all their routines is ‘skin cycling’. It’s a popular and effective method to improve skin health, reduce spots, and bring out a natural glow.

What Is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a four-night skincare routine followed each week. Although there are seven days in a week, this routine is only done over four nights. Each night involves different products, which help remove dead skin, repair cells, reduce stress on the skin, and provide hydration. The reason it’s done at night is because that’s when the skin repairs itself best.

Night 1: Exfoliation

The first night is for exfoliation. Start by cleansing your face thoroughly. Then, apply an exfoliating product that contains ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Gentle scrubbing can also be done, but avoid rubbing the skin too hard to prevent damage. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, leaving the skin looking fresh. Finish with a moisturiser to prevent dryness.

Night 2: Retinol

The second night is dedicated to retinol, a form of vitamin A that helps boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and treat acne. After cleansing and drying your face, apply a small amount of retinol cream, followed by a moisturiser. If you’re using retinol for the first time, you may experience slight itching or burning. It’s best to use it under a doctor’s guidance. Retinol helps reduce blemishes, irritation, and acne over time.

Nights 3 And 4: Recovery

The third and fourth nights are for recovery. These are rest days for your skin. Cleanse your face and apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser, preferably one that contains hyaluronic acid. This helps lock in moisture, smoothen fine lines, and repair the skin barrier. Recovery nights allow the skin to breathe, heal, and rebuild.

Points To Keep In Mind

• Before starting skin cycling, consider your skin type and choose products accordingly
• If you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist first
• Always do a patch test before trying any new product
• It’s also important to wear sunscreen daily, especially after retinol night, even when indoors
• Pregnant women should avoid skin cycling, as retinol can affect the development of the foetus.

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